Habitat/ecology: A common escape from cultivation, naturalizing in disturbed areas. In Niue, "grows semi-adventively in several small waste places in most or all of the villages" (Sykes, 1970; p. 48). In Tonga, "frequent about dwellings and cemeteries. Occasional as an escape in waste areas" (Yuncker, 1959; pp. 176-177).

Propagation: Seed (Staples & Herbst, 2005; p. 172).

Native range: "Probably native to India, from where it was early dispersed throughout Southeast Asia and China. It is now cultivated throughout the world as an ornamental" (Staples &
Herbst, 2005; p. 172).